Air Purifying Plants

Plant Basics:

In primary school, we learn that plants absorb CO2 (carbon dioxide) and convert it into O2 (oxygen) in the process of photosynthesis. As such, all green plants are pivotal to life and our survival.

In today’s fast paced world, consumers often forget about this simple yet essential activity of plants. Plants are not only aesthetic they have a purpose too…

Why Indoor Plants?

It is important to remember that all plants release 02.

Indoor plants are highlighted as they are necessary to purify and impact on controlled environments. These areas have less access to ‘fresh air’ and the importance and impact of plants is of more value.

Air Quality

The quality of the air we breathe is important to our health, fitness and well-being. In closed environments the ‘flow’ of air is confined and is contaminated by chemical substances (called volatile compounds) released from furniture, paint, clothing, floors etc and from people! Extensive scientific research shows that plants can also absorb and remove these contaminants, thereby purifying the air.

What and How?

The exact chemical processes are complicated and intricate.

In general, contaminants are absorbed from the air by the plant (mainly leaves) through openings called stomata. The contaminant may be absorbed by plant cells and converted into food, they may form part of the cells or be transported to other parts of the plant ie. the roots where it can be further composted and even excreted into the soil to serve as food for bacteria.

Does this apply to all indoor plants? Are some better than others?

All actively growing plants absorb CO2 and contaminants; however the efficacy is dependant on the presence and activity of the stomata.

The number of stomata varies per plant variety and the activity is dependant on growth conditions. Stomata typically only open in day light and close when plant growth is stressed ie. disease or lack of water etc. In summary, the healthier the plant, the better plants grow and the more effective the absorption of CO2 and contaminants.

Keep yourself and your colleagues healthy and happier this winter, add an indoor plant to your office, your home and your bedroom.
As a general rule of thumb; 350 grams of healthy leaf mass is all that is required to achieve a reasonably good air purifying ratio of plant per person*.

Source: Professor Bert van Duijn, Leiden, 30 October 2013